OXBERRY 
Matteo  Falcone 


CLXXXVIII. 

FRENCH'S    MINOR     DRAMA. 

|;ij£    gtctiug    (Bbitioit. 


MATTEO  FALCO^'E; 

OR, 

The  Brigand  and  his  Son. 


A  MELO-DRAMA,  IN  ONE  ACT, 

BY  WM.  HENRY  OXBERRY,  Comedian. 


TO   WHICH    ARE    ADDED 


A  description  of  the  Costume— Cast  of  the  Characters— Entrances  and  Exits- 

Relatire  Positions  of  the  Performers  on  the  Stage,  and 

the  whole  of  the  Stage  Business. 


AS  NOW  PERFORMED   AT    THE   PRINCIPAL  ENGLISH 
AND  AMERICAN  THEATRES. 


NEW    YORK: 
SAMUEL    FRENCH,    PUBLISHER, 

122  NAi^riAU  Street,  (Up  Staies.) 


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MATTEO  FALCONE. 


SCENE  I. — A  village  in  Corsica.  Exterior  of  an  Inn  3  g.  Soldiers  and 
Peasants  regaling.  Matteo  Falcone  and  Gianetto  Sastpiero  ai^pear 
at  back,  disguised  as  peasants,  watching  iJiem.     Table  and  seats,  r.  c. 

DANCE   AND   CHORrS. 

Let  us  banish  care  and  woe, 

While  tlie  morning  sun  is  bright ; 
Let  the  generous  nectar  flow, 

And  fill  our  hearts  with  sweet  delight. 

Now  our  pretty  maids  advance, 

Lightly  trip  in  sportive  dance  ; 
Good  wine  we  quaff, 

And  merrily  laugh — ha,  ha,  ha ! 

plATTEO  and  GiANETro  come  forward. 
Mat  {^Aside  to  Gianetto.]  Gianetto,  joiu  the  dance    it  will  prevent 
suspicion.     I  will  sit  at  the  table  and  endeavor  to  gather  information 
from  their  conversation. 

Gianetto  takes  a  peasant  girl,  and  they  dance  the  Tarantula.     After  dance, 
Gianetto  advances  to  Matteo. 

Gia  Matteo,  you  seem  thoughtful. 

Mat  I  am  meditating  by  what  means  I  can  frustrate  the  designs  of 
these  bloodhounds,  and  save  my  brave  band.  The  muster  strong — 
treble  my  number. 

Gia  And  your  band  outnumbers  mine.  United,  they  would  make 
a  noble  front  against  these  hireling  gadflies.  Let  us  stand  together 
and  make  common  cause  against  our  would-be  exterminators. 

Mat  Agreed  !  [F^halce  liands.]  Should  they  attack  you  first,  a  lighted 
beacon  from  the  Devil's  Blount  shall  bring  my  men  to  your  aid ;  the 
same  signal  from  the  Monte  Rotundo  will  summon  you  to  my  relief. 
I  am  known,  in  fact,  related,  to  the  garrulous  corporal  of  this  party 
you  saw  just  now  ;  this  fool.  I  mean. 

[Pointing  to  NicOLO,  iv/to  enters  from  Inn,  L.  E. 


ft  M.Vn'BO    FALCONE. 

Nic  Now,  my  merry  men,  don't  fall  out  with  me  when  I  tell  you 
you  must  fall  in.  The  commanding  officer  is  about  to  reconnoitre. 
A  reinforcement  will  join  us  to. night  at  the  Monte  Rotundo. 

3Iat  [Aside  to  Gia]  Do  you  mark  that  ? 

JVic  I  am  sorry  to  spoil  sport,  but  I  must  now  give  the  last  toast. 
Fill  me  a  horn  of  Campoloro.  "Success  to  our  enterprise!"  [They 
drinJc.]  It's  a  noble  duty  we  have  to  perform — to  free  our  country 
of  these  freebooters  who  infest  our  mountiiins,  and  who  rob,  plunder, 
and  cut  the  throats  of  the  peaceful  inhabitants  of  the  island.  We'll 
hunt  and  exterminate  the  race  of  them,  from  Cape  Corso  to  Bona- 
facio.  We'll  march  into  their  secret  haunts,  and  hunt  them  out  as 
ferrets  do  the  rats. 

uVat  [Aside  to  Nicolo]  Beware  you  set  not  traps  to  snare  yourselves. 

Aic  [Akmmd]  Ha !  this  is 

Mat  [Shows  sidetio.]  Your  cousin  ! 

Mc  Your  cousin  ! — yes — [Aside,] — curse  the  relationship. 

3Iat  [Aside  to 'HioOLO.]  Would  you  betray  your  cousin?  You  arc 
the  only  person  here  who  knows  me — one  word  or  sign  and  you're  a 
dead  man.     You  know  me 

JVic  I  have  that  felicity — [Aside] — unfortunately  !  And  who  is  this 
man  with  you  ? 

GHa  [Picking  his  teeth  uith  his  stiletto.]  A  friend ! 

Nic  [Seeing  stiletto.]  Oh,  I  understand 

3Iat  Adio,  cousin  !  Should  you  pass  my  mountain  hut  I'll  make 
you  welcome,  as  a  friend  ;  but  for  your  own  safety's  sake  come  not 
in  that  dress,  or  you  may  receive  a  warmer  reception  than  you  would 
desire.     Adio,  cousin ! 

Matteo  and  Gianetto  are  on  each  side  of  Nicolo.     As  tJiey  exeunt  they 
each  show  stiletto. 

Nic  Oh,  good  bye,  and  good  riddance  !  Endangering  my  safety  as 
well  as  their  own  !  Should  the  commanding  officer  find  out  who 
they  were,  and  saw  mc  on  such  friendly  terms  with  them,  I  should 
get  shot  OS  an  accomplice  ! 

Enter  Captain  Alezzio,  d.  f.  l. 

Capt  We  must  commence  our  march.  Fall  in  !  To  the  Monte 
llotundo^march ! 

Music.     Soldiers  march  off,  R.  1  e.     Peasants  form  Tableau. 


SCENE  II. — Mountain  Pass.     Music  piz.     Gianetto  enters  l.  2  r.,  in 
his  Brigand's  dress. 

Gia  They  arc  on  the  march  !     I  will  attack  them.     It  will  be  un- 
expected, and  my  success  certain.  They  rush  to  their  own  destruction. 


MATTEO   FAICONE.  & 

ITow  to  summon  my  brave  band,  and  then,  like  hunted  boars  at  bay, 
in  our  turn  attack  our  hunters. 

Blows  whMe.     T/ie  Brigands  enter  from  r.  2  e. 

Omnes  Hail  to  our  leader,  Sampiero  ! 

Gia  Brave  hearts !  I  bring  ye  tidings  of  the  enemy.  They  are 
now  on  their  marcli ;  they  expect  to  find  us  here — they  shall  not  be 
disappointed ! 

Brozzo  But  our  numbers 

Gia  Wliat !  do  you  quail  ? 

Brozzo  No — courage  is  not  wanting  here.  Still,  will  our  strength 
compete  with  theirs. 

Gia  They  are  here  but  to  reconnoitre.  They  meditate  no  attack 
until  they  are  reinforced  to-night.  Ere  that  arrives  I'll  cut  them 
into  peaces.  Falcone's  band  will  aid  us  to  beat  back  the  reinforce- 
ment. To-night  he  leads  his  men  to  the  Devil's  Pass  ;  there,  should 
their  numbers  treble  ours,  their  destruction  would  be  inevitable. 
l^Marchp.p.^  Ha!  they  come  !  In  the  ravine  we  can  conceal  our- 
selves !  [March  forth,  Exeunt  R. 

Enter  Alezzo,  Nicolo  and  Soldiers,  l.  2  e. 

Capt  Halt !  From  yonder  eminence  we  can  survey  the  country 
round,  and  observe  the  hiding  places  of  these  locusts.  Corporal, 
how  you  loiter.     Forward  ! 

Nic  Consider  my  corporation  !  \^5Iusic.    Exeunt  R.  2  £. 


SCENE  III. — Corsican  view  extending  to  the  exfremily  of  stage.  Bridge  or 
rocky  pass,  vAth  mountains  in  the  distance.  Ilat  on  R.  3  e.  Hay-cock  on 
E.  C.  4  E.     FoRTUNATO  discovered  loading  rijie. 

Fort  There,  my  little  fellow,  I've  given  you  your  dinner;  some 
gunpowder,  which  will  do  for  a  curry,  and  you  can  fancy  the  bullet 
a  dumpling  ;  and  now  you  have  dined,  you  must  get  me  something. 
Father  and  mother  won't  come  home  for  some  time,  and  when  they 
do,  it  will  be  with  good  appetites.  I  must  not  leave  the  hut,  but  if 
a  tit-bit  of  game  should  pass  here  within  range  of  my  ritle,  down  it 
comes  to  a  dead  certainty,  and  then  how  fatlier  will  pat  my  head, 
and  call  me  his  own  boy — and  how  proud  I  shall  feel  to  show  him 
my  prize  ;  but  I'm  reckoning  my  chickens  before  they  are  hatched. 
Oh,  how  I  love  a  hunter's  life  ! 

.    SONO. — FORTUNATO. 

When  the  morning  sun  smiles  on  the  dew-spangled  thorn, 
The  chasseur  is  roused  by  the  merry-toned  horn. 

Ye  ho  !  la  !  la !  la !  la ! 


O  MAITUO    FALCONE. 

The  light-footed  chamois  o'er  monntains  we  trace, 
And  with  light-beatin.2;  heai-ts  Ave  follow  tiie  chase, 
Through  forests  and  wilds  we  merrily  go, 
And  the  mountains  re-echoe  our  yo  ho  he  ho  ! 

Tral  lal  lal  la  !     . 

Tlie  chase  being  o'er,  our  joys  to  enhance. 

We'  partake  in  the  pleausure  that's  found  in  the  dance — 

Yala!  la!  lal  la! 
The  sound  of  sweet  music  is  heard  from  afar, 
And  we  trip  it  away  to  the  lightsome  guitar. 
To  the  merry  tarantella  then  we  advance, 
And  join  in  the  sport  of  the  heart-cheering  dance. 

w,  Tral  lal  lal  la ! 

[Gun  fired  without,  R.  u.  E-]  Hollo  !  fire  away  !  Somebody  shooting 
in  my  preserves — I'll  have  a  look-out.  [Mourds  a  hillock.]  Soldiers  ! 
what's  in  the  Avind  now,  I  wonder?  I  wish  father  was  at  home,  I'm 
afraid  that — no,  I'm  not  afraid.  Father,  when  a  wolf  frightened 
me,  scolded  me,  and  said  if  I  were  his  son,  I  miist  not  fear  man  or 
devil.  I  am  his  son,  and  I  won't  be  afraid  My  rifle's  loaded,  and 
I'll  give  them  a  leaden  dumpling  if  they  touch  me  ;  hut  they  won't 
do  that,  for  they  are  all  afraid  of  father. 

Muidc.     Gun  fired  k.  u.  e.     Giannetto  appears  on  a  prominence  b.,  fires 
his  gun,  then  runs  down  on  to  the  stage. 

Gia  Bloodhounds  !  your  blood  be  on  your  own  heads.  I'm  wound- 
ed ;  two  of  them  out  of  the  five  have  already  fallen  ;  curse  on  the 
wound,  I  could  baiile  them  yet,  would  the  blood  but  cease  to  flow. 
Ah  !  they  are  close  upon  me. 

Musk  and  chord — He  comes  forward — Foktunato  jsresente  his  carbine. 

Gia  Boy,  what  would  you  ? 

Fort  Not  harm  you — for  you  are  wounded  ;  but  I  did  not  know 
but  you  might  wish  to  harm  me  ;  So  keep  your  distance. 
Gia  You  are  the  son  of  Matteo  Falcone  ? 
Fort  Yes. 

Qia  I  am  Gianetto  Sampiero. 

Port  I  know  ;  you  like  my  father,  are  chief  of  a  band  of — 
Gia  Silence,  babbler  ! 

Fort  Oh,  I  know,  brigands  never  betray  each  other. 
Gi'J'  I  am  pursued  ;  hide  mc,  for  I  cannot  go  further. 
Fort.  And  what  will  my  father  say  if  I  hide  you  without  his  leave  ? 
Gia  He'll  say  you  did  right. 

Fort  I  don't  know  that,  you  don't  belong  to  his  baad. 
Gia  Hide  me  quick,  they  are  coming. 
Fort  Wait  till  my  father  comes  home. 


MMI'tO    KALUOXE.  * 

Gia  Wait !  I  cannot,  they  will  be  here  in  a  moment,  hide  me  this 
instant,  or  I  will  kill  you. 

Fort.  You  kill  me  i'  why,  your  carbine  is  dischargcKl. 

Gia  I  have  a  stiletto. 

Fort  And  I  liave  a  rifle,  loaded  ;  and  if  you  come  near  me,  I'll 
fire.  Father  is  the  best  shot  in  the  country — and  he  says  I  shall 
pouii  be  as  good,  so  I'm  not  afraid  of  missing  such  a  big  buck  as  you. 

[Preseriis  rifle. 

Gia  You  are  no  son  of  Matteo  Falcone. 

Fort.  Father  would  knock  you  down  as  flat  as  a  pancake,  if  he 
heard  you  say  that ;  for  he  told  me  the  other  day,  I  was  his  own 
boy,  and  he  was  proud  of  me. 

Gia  Would  you  see  me  arrested  at  your  father's  threshold  ?  they 
will  drag  me  to  prison,  load  me  with  chains,  and  condemn  me  to  an 
ignominious  death. 

Fort.  Would  they  ?  What  cruel  wretches  !  well,  now,  what  will 
you  give  me  to  hide  you  ? 

Gia  \^From  his  lecUhern  pouch.']  Tliis  is  all  I  have. 

Fort  Five  francs  !  fear  nothing,  I'll  hide  you  ;  liere,  creep  under 
this  straw — I'll  sit  upon  you,  and  they  won't  find  you. 

Music.  He  makes,  a  hole — G  iannetto  creeps  wider — Fortun ato  sit^  on  him. 
Enter  CoRPORAii  Nicolo,  over  bridge  rue  down  L.  with  two  Soldiers. 

Nic  This  way  he  must  have  come  ;  two  of  our  comrades  are  severe- 
ly wounded  ;  this  is  the  hut  of  Matteo  Falcone,  a  cousin  of  mine — 
a  very  distant  one  I  hope  at  this  moment— hey  !  why  are  not  you 
Matteo  Falcon's  son  ? 

Fort  So  my  mother  says. 

Nic  Indeed  !  then  you  are  my  little  cousin." 

Fort  ITien  you  arc  my  big  cousin,  I  suppose  ? 

Nic.  Bless  me,  how  you  have  grown  ! 

Fort  And  so  have  you  grown,  quite  a  great  gawky  ;  ill  weeds  will 
grow  apace,  as  my  grand  mother  says. 

Nic  1  must  be  civil,  the  urchin's  father  may  be  near.  Umph ! 
have  you  seen  a  man  go  by  just  now — umph  ! 

Fort  Umph  !  how  could  I  see,  with  my  eyes  shut,  fast  asleep. 

Nic  A  man  with  a  pointed  hare  skin  cap — sheepskin  jacket,  and 
deer  skin  breeches — eh  ? 

[He  gives  a  comic  description  of  Gianetto's  dress. 

Fort  The  curate  went  by  this  morning  ou  his  old  horse  Peter. 

Nic  You  little  rogue,  you  are  playing  with  me  ;  tell  me  this  mo- 
ment which  way  Gianetto  went,  for  he's  the  man  we  are  in  search  of 
and  I'm  certain  he  took  this  path. 

Fort  I've  not  seen  anyone.  I  tell  you. 

Nic  It's  all  a  lie. 

Fort  If  you  say  that  again  I'll  send  a  bullet  through  you. 

Nic  I  have  a  great  mind  to 

Fort  No,  you  haven't. 


8  JfATTEO   FALCONE. 

Nic  Is  your  father  at  home  ? 

Fwt  No  ?  if  he  was,  you  would  have  been  off  long  ago  like  a  fly 
out  of  a  mustard  pot. 

Nic  I'm  glad  he's  not  then.  [4-side\  Why  comrades,  look  here — 
here  are  traces  of  blood  upon  the  straw.  [lie  pulls  the  hay  about  wliere 
FoRTUXATO  is  sitting — Fortunato  raps  his  toes  ivith  gun.]  Oh,  my  toe  ! 
My  gracious,  you  little  villain     you  hiive  hit  me  on  the  corn. 

Fort  If  you  hadn't  touched  my  hay,  I  wouldn't  have  touched  your 
com. 

Nic  It's  all  nonsense,  you  saying  you  were  asleep — our  guns  must 
have  woke  you. 

Fort  Do  you  fancy  your  guns  make  so  much  noise?  my  father's 
carbine  is  much  louder. 

Nic  The  devil  take  you  little  wretch  !  I'm  sure  you  saw  Giannetto 
and  for  aught  we  know,  may  have  concealed  him.  Come,  comrades 
let  us  enter  the  house,  and  see  if  our  man  is  here. 

Fort  And  what  will  my  father  say,  if  anyone  goes  into  his  house 
whilst  he  was  out  ? 

Nic  You  little  villain,  when  I've  given  you  a  few  blows  with  the 
blade  of  my  sword,  you'll  speak. 

Foii,  My  father  is  Matteo  Falcone. 

Nic  Do  you  know,  you  little  rogue,  that  I  could  carry  you  off  to 
Bastia,  if  I  liked,  and  have  you  put  in  a  dungeon  with  nothing  but 
bread  aud  water,  and  clean  straw. 

Fort  Eh  !  my  father  is  Matteo  Falcone  ! 

Nic  [Aside]  I  dare  not  quarrel  with  Matteo — and  I  dare  not  return 
without  my  prisoner.  I've  my  doubts — I  have  it — I'll  try  the  ef- 
fects of  a  bribe  ;  now,  if  you  will  tell  me  the  truth 

For  The  son  of  Matteo  Falcone,  never  told  a  lie. 

Nic  He's  a  regular  chip  of  the  old  block.  What  would  you  say  if 
I  gave  you  something  ? 

Fort  I  will  give  you  something — advice  ;  if  you  wait  any  longer 
Gianetto  will  reach  the  mouutains,  and  then  it  wiU  require  a  sharper 
fellow  than  you  to  catch  him. 

Nic  [Takes  out  his  watch,  ivhich  Fortunato  gasxis  cU  mlh  deligM]  How 
would  you  like  to  have  a  watch,  like  that  hanging  by  your  side. 

Fort  Oh,  if  I  had  it,  how  I  would  strut  about  as  proud  as  a  peacock 
and  if  any  one  should  ask  me  what  o'clock  t  was,  I  should  say,  look 
at  my  watch  ;  when  I'm  a  big  boy,  my  father  will  give  me  a  watch. 

Nic  What  would  you  say  if  I  should  give  you  this  ? 

Fort  Give  it  mc  and  you  shall  see. 

Aiic  Upon  one  condition  ;  tell  me  where  Gianette  is,  and  it  is 
yours. 

Fort  You  are  joking. 

iVic  By  St.  Jago,  I  am  not  ;  tell  nic  where  Gianetto  is  concealed, 
and  may  I  lose  my  epaulette,  if  I  do  not  give  you  this  watoh — come 
now. 

Fort  Oh,  bless  it's  pretty  heart,  how  it  ticks — oh,  what  a  duck — 
what  a  pretty  chain. 


MAl'iEO    lALCONi;.  9 

JBe  gradually  gets  it  into  his  hand  aud  seems  delighted.  Avarice  and  the  respect 
due  to  hospitality,  are  forcibly  expressed  by  Fortunato — he  seems  irreso- 
lute— returns  the  ivatch  to  NicoLO — sighs — but  in  a  moment  takes  it  back 
again— pUs  it  in  his  belt,  and  becko?i^  NicoLO  forward — and  with  his 
thumb  over  his  shoulder  to  the  haycock. 
Nic  Ah,  indeed  !  comrades,  search  that  straw. 

Music.     They  advance — Gianetto  rushes  out,  on  haycuck  r  c. 

Gia  Maledizzione  !  [Attempting  to  seize  Foettjnato. 

Fort  I  will  give  you  back  your  five  francs  there. 

[Throws  it  before  Gianetto. 

Gia  I  am  wounded.     I  cannot  walk,  you  must  carry  me. 

Nic  I  am  so  overjoyed  at  catching  you,  I  could  carry  you  on  my 
back  for  a  league  without  feeling  tired  ;  when  we  get  to  Crespoli,  we 
shall  find  horses. 

Music.     They  drag  him  over  to  L.     Matted  appears  with  his  wife  Guiseppa 
on  the  bridge  at  the  back,  L,  he  has  two  carbines  across  his  shoulder. 

Mat  Soldiers  at  my  hut !  what  can  this  mean,  Guiseppa  ?  Fear  not, 
we  are  a  match  for  them.  [He  advances. 

Fart  Ah,  here's  my  father  ! 

Nic  The  devil  there  is.  I  don't  feel  at  all  comfortable  ;  if  Matteo 
by  chance,  should  turn  out  to  be  Ginatto's  friend— and  should  take 
it  into  his  head  to  defend  him — the  bullets  of  his  two  rifles  would 
reach  two  of  us,  as  sure  as  a  letter  by  the  post,  and  if  in  spite  of  our 
relationship,  he  should  aim  at  me.  I'll  put  a  good  face  on  it,  and 
make  sure,  I'll  be  uncommon  friendly  with  hiin.  Matteo  cauliouily 
ad  ounces  foUo'wed  by  his  wife. — NicoLO  rum  to  meet  him.]  What,  my  old 
friend,  how  are  you  again  ?  hope  you  are  well,  my  fine  fellow,  and 
what  ?  Mistress  Falcone  !  how  charming  you  are  looking — young 
Fortunato  has  grown  a  fine  little  fellow,  very  like  his  father  ;  this 
is  really  a  pleasure  I  never  expected — I  am  truly  delighted  to  see  you 
once  more.  [Aside]  That's  the  greatest  lie  I  over  told— I  wish  they 
were  a  hundred  leagues  off. 

Mat  What  brings  you  here  ? 

iV7c  Eh  ?  why,  I — [Aside.]  I  think  he's  all  right.  Why  I've  had  a 
long  journey  over  the  mountains,  and  I  thought  I'd  just  stop  and 
give  you  a  call,  according  to  your  invitation  —  its  very  fatigueing, 
don't  a.sk  me  to  dinner,  for  I  can't  stop,  though  I'm  knocked  up  al- 
most— musn't  complain,  for  we've  got  a  prize — a  famous  prize — we 
have  just  laid  hold  of  Gianetto  Sampiero. 

Mat  Poor  devil !  [Aside]  They  have  been  attacked  then. 

Nic  The  rogue  defended  himself  like  a  lion  ;  he  ha.s  wounded  two 
of  my  comrades  ;  one  of  them  has  his  arm  broken,  but  he's  ouly  a 
Frenchman,  so  it's  of  no  great  consequence  After  that  he  hid  him- 
self so  cunningly,  that  the  devil  himself  could  not  have  discovered 
him.  I  should  never  have  found  him  out  if  it  had  not  been  for  my 
little  cousin  Fortunato. 


10  SIATTEO   FALCONE.  ( 

Mat  and  Guis  Fortunato. 

Nic  Yes  ;  Gianetto  v^as  hidden  under  that  hay-cock  but  my  little 
cousin  put  me  up  to  his  cunning,  and  I  promise  you  that  both  your 
name  and  his,  shall  appear  in  the  report  I  shall  give  in  to  the  Advo- 
cate General 

Mat  [His  feelings  excited.']  Damnation. 

Nic  Now  then,  we  must  march. 

Oia  Matteo  Falcone,  your  son  has  betrayed  me — Matteo  Falcone, 
thus  I  spit  upon  thy  threshold — it  is  the  house  of  a  traitor. 

Matteo  clenches  his  stiletto  at  these  words,  but  looking  at  his  son  in  agony,  hides 
his  face  in  his  hands  to  suppress  his  feelings.  Foetunato  who  luts  entered 
the  house,  returns  with  a  jug  of  wine,  which  he  offers  to  Gianetto  who  dis- 
dains it.  - 

Gia  Keep  off,  comrade  give  me  some  drink — I  would  ratber  drink 
water  from  him  with  whom  I  have  jnst  exchanged  shots,  than  wine 
from  your  hands.  Traitor  ! 

Hie  Now  then,  comrades,  march — good  bye,  cousin,  good  bye,  I'll 
call  soon  and  stay  a  long  while  with  yon— [Aside]  not  within  a  hun- 
dred years  if  I  know  it.     March  ! 

Mttsic.  Exeunt  guarding  Gianetto  across  bridge  and  off  e.  Matteo  lean- 
ing on  his  carbine,  his  eyes  fixed  on  his  son  with  a  look  of  concentrated  anger, 
— Fortunako  with  a  troubled  eye  watches  him. 

Mat  You  begin  well. 

Fort  Father  !  [Bwsting  into  tears  and  kneeliiig. 

Mat  [In  a  loud  tone.]  Stand  back  !  how  came  you  by  that  watch? 

Fart  My  cousin,  the  corporal  gave  it  me  for — for — 

Mat  For  betraying  a  fellow  creature,  wretch.  [Be  takes  the  watch 
from  him  and  dashes  it  in  pieces.]     Wife,  is  that  boy  mine  ! 

Guis  Matteo  ! 

3Iat  Well,  well,  this  child  is  the  first  of  his  race  who  ever  proved 
himself  a  traitor. 

Gtiis  [Stepping  him.]  What  would  you  do — how  wildly  your  eyes 
glare. 

Mat  Let  me  alone,  I  am  his  father,  leave  me,  go  in,  [Be  locks  the 
door  upon  her.]  Boy,  listen  to  me,  for  gain  you  have  betrayed  Gian- 
etto— you  know  the  brigand's  oatli  ?  whosoever  betrays  his  fellow, 
must  fall  by  the  hand  of  his  nearest  kin,  you  betrayed  Sampiero.  / 
am  your  father — though  the  fulfilment  of  my  oath  may  rend  my 
heart,  it  must  be,  ascend  yon  mount — [Be  does  so.]  kneel  and  say  thy 
prayers. 

Fort  Father — dear  father — do  not  kill  me.  [Music. 

Mat  My  oath — have  you  finished  ? 

Fort  Oh,  father  forgive  me — mercy,  I  will  pray  to^my  cousin  the 
Corporal  to  pardon  Gianetto. 

Mat  Heaven  have  mercy  on  thee. 


MATTEO    FALCONE.  11 

He  cocks  his  carbine,  greatly  agitated.     Be  m  about  to  fire,  when  a  confused 
noise  is  heard.     Guns  without,  u.  v.  e. 

Fort  Father,  do  not  fire.  Gianetto  has  escaped,  and  pushed  the 
two  soldieors  from  the  narrow  bridge  into  the  water.  Cousin  Gamba 
follows  him — he  turns  upon  him — he  has  pushed  him  into  the  ditch 
— Gianetto  is  here. 

Music.  GiANETio  enters,  and  crosses  b.  at  back,  and  down  l.,  where  Fob. 
TU>'ATo  directs  him — Corpoeal  Nicolo,  covered  with  mud,  follows  him 
FoBTUXATO  sta?uis  between  them,  pointing  his  rifle  at  Nicolo. 

Nic  Put  down  your  rifle.     "What  would  you  do  ? 

Fort  Save  Gianetto  ;  I  betrayed  him,  I  will  now  defend  him. 

Nic  Stand  back,  or  I'll  fire  ! 

Fort  You  will,  will  you,  you  magpie  !  then  to  make  sure  I'll  fire 
first.     [jSe  fires  at  Corporal  Nicolo,  icho  runs  off  bellowing  over  bridge. 

Gia  Fortunato,  I  forgive  thee — thy  courage  has  wiped  away  the 
stain  of  traitor. 

Mat  Then  he  is  my  eon  again  !  boy,  boy  ! 

Fort  [^Kneds]  Father  !  [Matted  dasps  him  in  Ms  arms. 

EiUer  Brozzo  on  rock  i.  3  B. 

Broz  Sampiero,  a  reinforcement  is  marching  in  this  direction  to 
aid  the  yellow  colLxrs.  I  have  collected  our  band  in  the  Devil's 
Pass.  They  think  you  dead  or  a  prisoner,  your  presence  at  their 
head  would  rouse  them  to  revenge. 

2Iat  Sampiero,  we  will  stand  or  fall  together.  [^Whistles. 

FoBTUNATO  gets  his  rifle.     The  Brigands  enter  r.  and  l.     Matteo  and 
Gianetto  at  back,  Fortunato  looking  out.     Drum  heard. 

Gia  The  foe  advances,  stand  to  your  arms  !  At  my  signal  [Music] 
let  your  rifles  echo  through  the  valley.     Conceal  yourselves. 

[ExeuM  B.  and  l. 

Fort  I'll  stay  by  you,  father. 

Mat  No,  my  boy,  get  into  the  house  with  your  mother.  Away, 
v.'c'U  soon  beat  these  soldiers  back. 

Fori  Oh,  father,  let  me  stay,  I'm  not  afraid — I  don't  tremble — ^I 
can  load  your  rifle  for  you. 

M(d  No,  in  I  say — a  stray  shot  might  strike  you. 

Fort  I  care  not,  so  you  remain  unhurt. 

Mat  Brave  boy  —but  in,  on  the  instant  go. 

For  [Shakes  his  liand.]  I'll  have  one  shot  at  the  rascals,  if  I  die  for 
it.  [Pretends  to  go,  but  conceals  himself  behind  the  eminence. 

Mai  They  come— march.  [Conceals  himself. 


12  .M/UTTEO    FALCONE. 

Officer,  Corporal  Nicolo,  and  Soldiers  enter.  Music  changes  to  hurry. 
Matteo  ayid  Gianetto  loith  their  party  rush  upon  them.  General  fight. 
Matteo  is  overcome — Fortunato  discharges  his  rijle  and  kills  the  Officek, 
and  stands  before  Matteo.  Gianetto  has  felled  a  Soldier,  and  is  abovi 
to  kill  him,  ivhcn  the  Soldier  draws  a  pistol  from  his  bell  and  shoots  him. 
The  Soldiers  are  overpowered  and  surrender. 

Mat  We  have  conqnered. 

Gia  [Falls]  Hurrah  !—hu 

Mat  You  are  bleeding  ! 

Gia  It  is  my  death  wound — my  heart — revenge  me  ! — 

Guiseppa  holds  the  cross  which  she  wears  round  her  neck  before  his  eyes — he 
kisses  it  and  expires.     Slow  music. 


AA 


it.\  .  _'V<?^*.r»r  •  •«•"  ivAi; 


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